SABCS: Leukemias Increase Among Patients On High-Dose Chemotherapy And Growth Factors, But Incidence Remains Rare SAN ANTONIO, TX -- December 11, 2001 The risk of a patient developing acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome increases as doses of doxorubicin-cyclophosphamide adjuvant therapy for operable breast cancer increase. The incidence of the leukemias remains small, however, (around 1 percent) even when growth factors are used to help patients recover from blood cell depletion as the result of high doses of the chemotherapy agents. Overall, the studies involved 8,563 patients who contributed 61,810 person-years of follow-up. Dr. Smith reported 43 cases of the leukemia-like disorders. Approximately one-third of 1 percent of patients on standard AC developed these disorders, rising to 1.5 percent in patients on the more intense regimens. Researchers for the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project reported this finding at the 24th annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium. [12/11/2001; Doctor's Guide] Ann's NOTE: 61,810 person-years sounds like a long time, but it is NOT-only 6-7 years. Perhaps longer time follow up might indicate more problems. We know from other studies that there are many quality of life (QOL) issues that last long-term. This one is more serious. Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.